Imphal, December 12: With the objective to boost the morale of Self Help Groups and to provide an avenue for marketing their products, a week long State level SARAS mela was inaugurated today at Mapal Kangjeibung by chief minister O Ibobi.

The mela with 109 stalls belonging to Agriculture, Horticulture, Social Welfare, Fisheries, Commerce and Industries and various other Self Help Groups was organised by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under the sponsorship of Swarna Jayenti Swarojgar Yojana (SJSY) scheme.

Besides the chief minister, the inaugural function was attended by minister of Agriculture, Ph Parijat as president, minister of Social Welfare, W Leima and minister of State for Rural Development, Alaudin Khan as guest of honours.

While addressing as chief guest, O Ibobi observed that if the State could produce products fit for export outside Manipur in terms of both quality and quantity, Manipur would find a dignified place in the field of trade and commerce in addition to strenghtening of the economy.

Saying that the people of the State have limited knowledge about the mela organised under the sponsorship of SJSY scheme since 1999 , the chief minister detailed on the scheme informing that the basic objective of the scheme has been to alleviate people under poverty line above the line.

The scheme has 50 percent reservation for schedule castes and schedule tribes, 40 percent for women and 30 percent for handicapped persons, added the Chief minister.

The Centre has already sanctioned 75 percent of the amount to districts DRDA for the scheme while the State's due share of 25 percent is yet to be sanctioned, added Ibobi.

To facilitate organisation of such melas every year, a mela committee would be constituted under the aegis of a senior cabinet minister with the chief secretary as chairman, mentioned the chief minister.

He further appealed to avail quality fruits of Manipur like oranges of Tamenglong, passion fruit of Senapati and lemons of Ukhrul in international market.

Lack of detailed knowledge of SJSY scheme is a shortfall of the State Government as well as of the people, said Ph Parijat in his presidential address while appealing to the people to improvised the economy of the State through hard work.

W Leima expressed satisfaction over the successful implementation of SJSY scheme under DRDAs.

Comment